Comma instead of decimal point to separate numbers in a text column (mac)

Question

Hi,

I have a numeric keypad that has a decimal point instead of a comma. For my work, I need to have a column formatted as a text column and have some numbers separated by a comma. Ages ago, I was able to change the separator using the languages in settings so every time I pressed the decimal point key, it came out as a comma. Then in the 2016 update, I can't seem to get it to work. As an alternative I have been typing the decimal point and then afterwards doing a find and replace (for . to ,) This doesn't seem to work for 3 digit numbers. When I do this, it just gets rid of the decimal point e.g - 12.34.56 w ith find and replace = 12,34,56 but with 3 digits it is like this: 456.341.678 with find and replace is = 456341678 

This is so confusing and I would love to be able to simply change the decimal point on my numeric keypad for a comma.

Please help.

Thanks a million,

Jay

Answer 1

What you need to change is the keyboard Input Method in System Preferences. If you select a language [Spanish, for one, works here] the decimal key on the numeric keypad should insert a comma. Note, of course, that to use your standard keyboard entry you'd need to switch back to the Input Method you normally would use. The switching can be done easily if you check the box in the Prefs to Show Input menu in menu bar.

What Phillip suggested can't work because those settings are for numerical values. The nature of examples you gave do not qualify so are parsed as text strings. The only way those settings possibly could be of use, if at all, is if you wanted to change the Grouping method on a per entry basis every time the number of characters differed.

Answer 2

Try this:

1. First Go to  menu
2. System Preferences
3. Language & Region

4. Next  Click on advanced

5. Follow directions show in Red annotation in illustration above.

You change either or both. According to your needs. 6. Then go into excel and change Number or currency format to desired Language if needed.

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Answer 3

Thanks so much for that! I appreciate the reply. I did that and it looked like it had actually worked for 1 cell. Then when I moved down to the next cell, the next time I pressed the decimal point to get the comma again, it reverted back to a point. It was so very nearly sorted...

Answer 4

Bob, my friend, you have made my year! THANK YOU SO MUCH! This worked perfectly and I can't tell you how much time and stress you have saved me. I now switch it to Spanish settings when working in excel and then back to British when finished.

Thanks again - it's much appreciated!

Jay